Print

Cheese Fondue Recipe

4.4 from 142 reviews

A classic Cheese Fondue recipe featuring a rich blend of Gruyère, Fontina, and Gouda cheeses melted with white wine and flavored with garlic, lemon, brandy, and mustard. Perfect for dipping with an assortment of bread, vegetables, fruits, and meats, this warm and inviting dish is ideal for entertaining or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

  • 1/3 pound Gruyère cheese, grated
  • 1/3 pound Fontina cheese, grated
  • 1/3 pound Gouda cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Fondue Base

  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Flavorings

  • 1 tablespoon brandy
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Dippers

  • Cubed French bread, sourdough, or pumpernickel bread
  • Boiled baby new potatoes
  • Lightly steamed broccoli florets
  • Lightly steamed cauliflower florets
  • Lightly steamed asparagus spears
  • Button mushrooms
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Sliced firm apples
  • Cooked sliced hot sausage

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese: Grate all of the Gruyère, Fontina, and Gouda cheeses. In a medium bowl, thoroughly toss the grated cheeses with the cornstarch to evenly coat all pieces, which helps thicken the fondue and prevent separation.
  2. Heat the Fondue Base: In a stove-safe fondue pot or a large heavy saucepan, add the dry white wine, whole garlic clove, and fresh lemon juice. Over medium-low heat, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to infuse flavors.
  3. Melt the Cheese: Gradually add the coated cheeses to the simmering wine mixture, adding a small amount at a time. Stir continuously after each addition to ensure the cheese melts smoothly and emulsifies into a creamy texture without clumping.
  4. Add Flavorings: Once the cheese mixture is smooth, stir in the brandy, Dijon mustard, and ground nutmeg. Mix well to blend all flavors harmoniously.
  5. Arrange Dippers: Prepare an assortment of bite-sized dipping foods like cubed bread, boiled potatoes, lightly steamed vegetables, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, sliced apples, and cooked sausage on a serving platter.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the cheese fondue to a fondue pot if not already prepared in one to keep it warm. Provide fondue forks or wooden skewers, and serve immediately for dipping your chosen accompaniments into the warm, velvety cheese mixture.

Notes

  • Use medium heat to avoid overheating the cheese which may cause it to separate.
  • Choose dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for best flavor.
  • The cornstarch is essential to help thicken the fondue and maintain a smooth texture.
  • Maintain gentle simmering rather than boiling to prevent curdling.
  • Customize dipping ingredients to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.

Keywords: cheese fondue, Gruyère, Fontina, Gouda, dipping sauces, Swiss recipe, party appetizer, melted cheese, wine fondue